Extending free school meal provisions

From September 2023, the council is extending universal free school meals provision to include children who live in the borough and attend secondary school (up to the age of 16).

+ If you are already in receipt of free meals from your school, there is nothing further you need to do.
+ If you are not in receipt of benefits and have an annual net earned income of more than £7,400, there is nothing further you need to do.
+ If you are receiving benefits but not currently receiving free school meals, it is important that you fill in your child’s registration form.

Student finance

All student finance is now dealt with by Student Finance England (SFE) and all enquiries should be made to:

Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ

Tel: 0845 300 5090 (Mon-Fri 8am  - 8pm, local call rates apply).

SFE is an arm of the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Wherever possible, SFE asks that applicants apply via their online service. This can be accessed by going to the Directgov website and entering student finance into the search box.  

Suppliers of services and equipment to students in receipt of disabled student allowances, universities and any other organisation supporting or dealing with higher education students will need to contact Student Finance England from February 28 about any issues arising from their services.

Further information